General Festival Intro: I’m glad I went to the Concert for Valor. Festivals are never my favorite: too few songs, too few true fans. It’s hard to complain, though, about a night on the National Mall that lets you pay literal tribute to the troops as you listen to Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Eminem. Knowing I could discuss the show the next day with my students, CH and SL, whose families attended the show, made it even better. The only performer I missed was Jessie J, whose “Titanium” I could half hear as I made the long trek from the metro to Archives to 15th.
Specific Band Entry: Metallica: Before the set, Will Smith introduces Mr. Oaklander, a Chicago Dangerous-Minds-esque teacher whose student challenged him to a push-up competition...and lost. The kid eventually went to West Point, instead of being a gang leader -- like his dad. Such a moving account of multigenerational change. About to tear up. Clearly the biggest applause of the night. Jack Black's Metallica intro is hilarious -- totally channeling his teacher from School of Rock.
I've never heard “Ride The Lightning” and don't understand the lyrics, but the intensity's awesome. A dull crowd can't stop metal. I like the hilarious growl midway through “Master of Puppets” -- and the electronic interlude near the end. They enter “Enter The Sandman” with “we finally get to play for our heroes.” Nice!
Grade: B+
To read reviews of any of the festival bands (and celebrity intros), click on the these links: Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Eminem.
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